Supreme Court

The main entrance to the Supreme Court Building is on the west side, facing the United States Capitol. A few low steps lead up to the 252-foot-wide oval plaza in front of the building.

On either side of the main steps are seated marble figures. To the left is a female figure, the Contemplation of Justice. While on the right is a male figure, the Guardian or Authority of Law.

One can enter the building through the opened bronze doors of the west front, each of which weighs six and one-half tons and slides into a wall recess when open.

The main corridor is known as the Great Hall. At each side, double rows of monolithic marble columns rise to a coffered ceiling. Busts of all former Chief Justices are set alternately in niches and on marble pedestals along the side walls.

At the east end of the Great Hall, oak doors open into the Court Chamber. It is a dignified room measuring 82 by 91 feet with a 44 foot ceiling.

The raised Bench where the Justices sit during sessions and other furniture in the Courtroom are mahogany. The Bench was altered in 1972 from a straight-line to a winged shape to provide sight and sound advantages over the original design.

At the left of the Bench is the Clerk of the Court's desk. To the right is the desk of the Marshal of the Court. The Marshal is the timekeeper of Court sessions, who signals lawyers by white and red lights as to time limits.